Columnist Offered Girls And Their Dads Wise Counsel Letter Of The Week From July 26

I thank syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr. for being a father who cares. His article, “Our silence telegraphs our impotence,” (Opinion, July 22), revealed the truth that fathers are so very important to us girls.

I am 23 years old, and I was one of those girls whose self-esteem was evident though my actions of rebellion and self-destruction. I tried anything and everything to find acceptance and love. All I was left with was pain, loneliness and a deep feeling of self-hatred. Fortunately, I have found the love of my true Dad, my Heavenly Father.

Dads, please, embrace your daughters and love them so that they don’t have to go out and find “love” from young men who most likely don’t even know how to love themselves. We need you. And if I could reach the heart of just one hurt and confused young girl out there, I would advise you to start looking through the eyes of truth. Those eyes will show you who you really are. They will show you your true beauty.

Start respecting yourselves. If you don’t respect yourself, what makes you think the boy you are with is going to respect you? Please, let’s be young women of self-respect and purity. Lisa A. Simmons Spokane

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